Chapter 27 - The Audit of Lies
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Daniel’s lawyer, Mr. Henderson, raised his hand nervously. "Mr. Vance, my client is the sole biological son of Arthur Mercer. Under state inheritance laws, any undisclosed offshore holdings automatically pass to Daniel."
Julian didn't even look at Henderson. He simply pressed a button on his tablet, projecting a high-definition video onto the large wall monitor behind us.
The screen flickered to life.
Sitting in a leather armchair in a hospital room four years ago was Arthur Mercer. He looked thin and frail, but his eyes were sharp, clear, and full of grim determination.
Vivian gasped, her face draining of all color. "Arthur..."
"If you are watching this video," Arthur’s recorded voice echoed clearly through the boardroom speakers, "it means I am dead, and my wife Vivian and son Daniel have driven my primary estate into bankruptcy."
Daniel lowered his head onto the table, covering his ears with his hands.
"To my son, Daniel," Arthur’s video persona continued calmly. "I spent twenty-four years trying to teach you strength, honor, and accountability. But you chose to copy your mother's vanity and deceit. You chose to live a lie rather than build a real life."
Arthur took a slow breath on the screen, looking directly into the camera lens.
"I hereby declare that if Daniel Mercer attempts to forge documents, steal assets, or mistreat his wedded spouse to cover his debts, he shall be disinherited completely under Section 4 of the Cayman Corporate Trust Act. The entirety of Mercer Logistics, along with all offshore liquid capital, shall transfer unconditionally to my daughter-in-law, Emma Miller."
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The video screen went black.
The silence in the boardroom was so thick you could hear a pin drop.
